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I am retired and have ACA insurance through Blue Cross.  I pay $243 per month and will age out of ACA in two years when Medicare kicks in.  …

I infer then that your retirement bargain is directly a benefit of "get a job  that provides insurance."

I know of no self-employed person who pays such a low rate for even 1 individual.

A few days ago, I was discussing insurance costs with a lady who told me she is paying $700/month for her Medicare Part B only.

…got excellent treatment.…

About 15 years ago I was trying to have a heart attack  and all the private hospitals within reach were "on bypass" (full, so not accepting new patients).  The ambulance took me to our county hospital (horrible reputation). I thought I was a goner, but instead received excellent care, a stent, and was fixed within a few hours and went home the next day.

…Spend wisely, live healthy and hope for the best.

Yes… Be good and be well!

I infer then that your retirement bargain is directly a benefit of "get a job  that provides insurance."

I know of no self-employed person who pays such a low rate for even 1 individual.

A few days ago, I was discussing insurance costs with a lady who told me she is paying $700/month for her Medicare Part B only.

I have a fairly low income, just pension, Social Security, and whatever I have to take out of my 401(k) to make ends meet.  (Thankfully, my stocks have been doing very well this year.)  I am able each year to report a projected income that is very accurate, as I know what my pension and SS are going to be, and I figure out what I am going to need to take out of 401(k), add it all together, and that's what they base my subsidy upon.  I have my home paid for, and I live very frugally out of necessity.  In fact, lately, I've been using my food storage to keep my grocery bill down.  No use letting perfectly good food go to waste.

My mother has Medicare Part B and she doesn't pay nearly as much as the lady whom you mention.

Not clear what you mean by "I infer then that your retirement bargain is directly a benefit of 'get a job that provides insurance' " No offense taken, I just don't understand the sentence.  I am partially disabled, and on top of that, have elder caregiving and full-time parenting and homeschooling responsibilities, so getting a job wouldn't work right now.  After my son finishes high school, I may try to get some kind of work-at-home hustle.

Personally, I wouldn't go without insurance, but I have no idea where you can find reasonable, private insurance.  We have been lucky in that my husband works in healthcare and, although the insurance costs have gone up over the years, it's still a great plan compared to much of what is out there these days.